Jerri Lynn (Burgett) Smith

Jerri Lynn (Burgett) Smith, 60, of Edwards, Illinois, left this world way too soon on Wednesday, February 23, 2022, after surgical complications.

Jerri was born on January 11, 1962, in Peoria, Illinois, to Geraldine and William Burgett. Dearly known as “TT” or “Sis,” the lights of Jerri’s life were many. She opened her heart and home, and was welcoming to all, whether they had known her for a few minutes or decades. She loved carrying on family traditions and creating new ones, such as singing Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas. She had a passion for cooking and ensuring no one went hungry; always preparing large meals, even for a few, and sending meals home with people or delivering them with smiles.

Jerri served her country in the US Army and had a lifetime career in Human Services. She was a foster parent to many children and teens over the years. She is recounted for having a gift of uniting families and ensuring everyone stayed connected wherever she lived, between Norwich, Connecticut and Edwards, Illinois. She was one who would listen attentively and speak her mind honestly and candidly, with a sense of humor and quick wit. She was fiercely protective and it has been said that if there was a swear jar in the house, she could easily form a $20 sentence when it came to standing strong for who or what she unapologetically believed in.

Jerri is survived by her mother, Geraldine (Richmond) Corrington of Dunlap; brother, Don Burgett (Rosa) of Mossville, IL; sister, Rhonda (Burgett) Crabtree (Bryson) of Brimfield, IL; brother, Tim Corrington of East Peoria, IL; extended family, Judy (Johnson) Richmond-Burgett, Michael Richmond and Marcus Richmond all of Brimfield, IL; daughters, Daisy Soto of Roanoke, VA, Raquel Smith of Roanoke, VA, and Michelle Smith of Dallas, TX, Janelle Berry of Hartford, CT; son, Brian Smith Jr. of Las Vegas, NV; grandchildren, Khayliah Monët Davis, Jeresse Porter, Jayahnah Davis, Jakira Davis, Tiara Smith, and Christain Holloway; great-grandchildren, Kyjuan Brown, Analiz Gee, and Zemir Gee; nieces and nephews, Don Burgett Jr., Julia Crabtree, Bryson Crabtree, Jean Robert Corrington, Tim Corrington Jr., Myraida Melendez, and Carla Burgett; and many great-nieces and great-nephews. Jerri is preceded in death by her father William Robert Burgett, maternal grandparents Samuel and China (Hubbard) Hicks, and paternal grandparents Samuel and Edith (Lane) Burgett.

There are no words for how much Jerri will be missed by all those that loved her deeply. The family would like to extend a heart-felt thank you and gratitude to Jerri’s dearest friends, honorary sister, Paulette Belin and Sheldon Mathias, both of Norwich, Connecticut, for their unfailing love and support to Jerri and her family.

You may honor Jerri’s generous, giving spirit by supporting one of her favorite charities, The St. Joseph's Indian School serving Lakota (Sioux) children and families at https://www.stjo.org/.

Family and friends are encouraged to gather together in their respective locations to honor Jerri. A virtual Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at 10:00 am central time. A website link will be published soon.

Family and friends are welcome to gather after virtual service. More details to come.

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